It’s that time of the year when people are looking forward to gathering with family and friends for the holidays. First up: Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving comes with a plethora of traditions for every family or Friendsgiving, and most of those traditions center around the dining room table. Good food, good drinks and good company deserve all the pomp and circumstance of the holiday- including festive Thanksgiving table decor. Maybe this is your first year needing to consider Thanksgiving table decorations, or maybe you’re looking to step it up a notch from last year and really wow your guests. In either case, we’re here to help with a step-by-step guide to an amazing Thanksgiving tablescape!

Thanksgiving Tablescape

1. Centerpiece - Your Thanksgiving tablescape starts with the centerpiece. Depending on your table, you may wish to go small and centralized to the middle of the table, or you may wish to run the centerpiece along the length of the table so guests at every angle get a good view of your masterpiece. Collect a number of items in varying heights with the tallest pieces in the middle, surrounded by medium height and low-lying decor. Fall decor featuring a number of different textures, such as glass, burlap or ribbon, pine cones or branches, leaves, etc., adds interest to a centerpiece.

Here are some ideas to get you started include:

• Pumpkins and colorful squash are a traditional choice for any Thanksgiving table and never get old. However, you can put a twist on tradition with pumpkins in different colors, such as white, gold or turquoise. If you choose a nontraditional color, be sure to add similar hues throughout your holiday decorations to bring a cohesive feel to the festivities.

• Fill a cornucopia with flowers, fall leaves and gourds for a classic Thanksgiving centerpiece. Look for one that is pre-assembled to save time.

• Find a faux-flower wreath to set in the middle of your table. Add candles to the center or a vase with more flowers to amp up the fall feel! Go the extra mile and fill the base of the vase with pinecones to hide the stems, or even add some LED lights to the arrangement!

• Choose a colored vase in a fall color to fill with your favorite blooms. For a taller statement centerpiece, choose an urn shaped vase. Smaller tables may do better with a round short vase that guests will be able to see over.

• Layer your centerpiece over a table runner to complete the look and also protect your table from potential wear and tear.

2. Place Setting - Think through your meal and what your guests will need for each dish to minimize trips to the kitchen later. What beverages will be served and what glassware is needed for each? Do you want fresh plates or bowls for different courses? What about silverware - what is needed and how many of each utensil?

Layering your dining ware at each place setting, and surrounding it with glasses for water and other beverages, creates an instant aura of elegance at any table. Add an element of festivity by adorning each setting with its own name card, small pumpkin or miniature fall-inspired bouquet. If you opt not to include a table cloth under your centerpiece, consider adding placemats.

Last but not least, don’t forget the napkins! Whether cloth or paper, layering your napkins among the dining ware for each guest ensures they’ll be comfortable even if a small dining mishap occurs.

3. Continuity of Theme - Be sure to add elements of the holiday spirit throughout your home so the Thanksgiving tablescape doesn’t feel out of place. Consider adding a fall themed wreath or mat to the front door. Add an accent pillow (or two or three) featuring autumn themes to the living room. Change out wall art, candles, faux flowers, or table top decor to compliment your dining table masterpiece.

Your guests are sure to get the holiday spirit the minute they see your Thanksgiving tablescape and accompanying fall decor! Have fun this season decorating with pumpkins, apples, sunflowers, harvest trucks, colorful leaves, fall gnomes, and more! Start planning early, as many Thanksgiving themed decorations can be enjoyed throughout the entire fall season.